A Young Woman’s Legacy Lives On

Dyamond Abrantes was a remarkable young woman – bright, sparkling, and strong – just as her name suggests.

Her love for her family and friends was undeniable and she made it known daily through thoughtful gestures and affection.

“She made sure you knew that she loved you,” said Tasalina, Dyamond’s mother.

Her career goal was to work with children, to be a teacher, a mentor, and have her own classroom. Education was a value she was taught as a young girl, and she wanted to pass that lesson on. While in college, she was a school intern teacher in a third- and fourth-grade classroom and thrived as a camp counselor. She loved children and community.

At the age of 16, she registered to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor, telling her mom, “If I’m gone, why not let someone else live?”

Tragically, that day came sooner than anticipated, when she passed at the young age of 21 from a blood clot.

It was not a question for Tasalina whether Dyamond wanted to be a cornea donor. Dyamond was a giver – it was always in her nature to help people. She wanted people to be cared for, safe, and to be given a chance.

Dyamond’s gift restored the sight of a 65-year-old woman. Coincidently, Dyamond’s grandmother was of similar age and had just received her own sight-saving treatment, so the family knew how life transformative her final gift was.

Today, Dyamond’s family finds solace knowing her legacy lives on through the gift of sight – and someone, somewhere can continue to see the joy on the faces of their owned loved ones.

“I want the world to know the story of this amazing human I raised. Everyone should know who Dyamond is,” Tasalina said.